Safe Zone Program
The Safe Zone Program consists of interactive trainings where participants will learn about the LGBTQ+ community, campus resources, the importance of inclusive language and creating safe spaces, and how to be a supportive ally and advocate for LGBTQ+ social justice and equality. The program is open to all MSUM and M State faculty, staff, administrators and students.
Want to schedule a Safe Zone training or Booster session for your department, office, or student organization? Complete the Request a Safe Zone Training on Dragon Central.
Our Level I Safe Zone Training serves as an introduction to LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and issues, providing a foundation of knowledge and skills for participants to become qualified Safe Zone Contacts. Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to sign a Safe Zone Contract and receive a Safe Zone Sticker for their office showing that they are a resource and ally for LGBTQ+ students. Topics covered include: LGBTQ+ definitions, privilege, heteronormativity, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, coming out, how to be an ally, campus and community resources, and real life scenarios to apply your knowledge. Facilitated by the Women’s Center Coordinator and our Rainbow Dragon Center Graduate Assistant.
Open to both MSUM and M State employees.
Our Level II Safe Zone Training offers an in-depth discussion of transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual identities and experiences. This training also provides information on identity development, supporting transgender students, quotes from students about what is great about being LGBTQ+, campus and community resources, and an opportunity to apply knowledge learned to real life scenarios. Upon completion of this training, participants will receive a certificate of completion for the Safe Zone Level II Program. This training is facilitated by local trans activist and educator, Faye Seidler.
Open to both MSUM and M State employees.
In addition to the Safe Zone Program, we offer Booster Sessions as an opportunity for our campus community to further their education on LGBTQ+ identities and experiences. Previous sessions include bullying, sexual assault, LGBTQ+ and religion, coming out, and preferred name and pronouns.
The Safe Zone Peer Educator program consists of eight to ten undergraduate students who co-facilitate Safe Zone trainings for MSUM and M State students throughout the academic year. Safe Zone Peer Educators are campus leaders who do the important work of educating other students about LGBTQ+ issues and identities in order to help make MSUM a welcoming and inclusive campus for all.
There are lots of benefits to becoming a peer educator. You will:
- Gain communication, presentation, and discussion facilitation skills
- Advocate for LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion
- Meet and help educate other allies, who will go on to educate others
- Improve our campus climate for LGBTQ+ students
Students can apply to become Peer Educators or register for Safe Zone trainings on the Rainbow Dragon Center’s Dragon Central page. Applications open in April each year.
A Safe Zone Provider/Contact is someone with information, sensitivity, and understanding towards Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) identity development, issues, and concerns. A Safe Zone Provider has participated in the Safe Zone Level I Training, signed the Safe Zone contract, and is committed to providing a safe place in which to discuss LGBTQ+ and coming out issues.
Level I Safe Zone ProvidersLevel II Safe Zone Providers
Please note that only staff, faculty, and administrators who have completed the first level of Safe Zone since fall of 2016 are listed in the document, but dozens of students have also completed the student version of the training and other staff, faculty, and administrators completed Safe Zone prior to 2016.